Image source – Phoenix New times

J. D. Hayworth, currently campaigning for John McCain’s Arizona senate seat, has been touting his ultra conservative stop-government-spending credentials to the Arizona Tea Party crowd for several months.  However, it appears his views on this issue were considerably different three years ago when he shilled for an “Easy Money Scheme” promoted by a now-defunct Florida-based company.   

In a 2007 infomercial for National Grants Conferences (see YouTube video below), Hayworth said the following about the potential for individuals being able to receive “free (federal) money grants:”      

"Now, you may think what you've heard is too good to be true, but let me assure you, it is real, it's available, and it's something you should take advantage of.

You should come to one of the National Grants Conferences. Because there, you receive information, information that equates with power.  And knowledge to make you a better business owner, to make you a wiser investor, to make you, perhaps, a first-time homeowner." 

None of this was true, of course.  As noted on the U.S. Government website grants.gov: 

"We have all seen them: late night infomercials, websites and reference guides, advertising 'millions in free money.'  Don't believe the hype!  Although there are many grants on Grants.gov, few of them are available to individuals and none of them are available for personal financial assistance." 

National Grants Conferences had an “F” rating with the Better Business Bureau, had legal problems with several states attorney general (including a conviction on consumer fraud charges in Vermont), and was forced into bankruptcy in 2008. 

A campaign spokesperson for Mr. Hayworth has indicated that the former congressman was not aware of National Grant’s negative reputation among consumer advocate groups, and he couldn’t recall the amount Mr. Hayworth was paid for his endorsement.  

It’s interesting to note that, while serving as a US Representative from Arizona, J. D. Hayworth was a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, which overseas tax legislation.  He certainly knew how the money flowed in Washington. 

It appears he was only trying to help “the little people” tap into some of those funds.

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